For many, the open ocean represents the ultimate escape, but for Rita Hajdu, it is something far more grounded: it is a workplace, a classroom, and a lifelong companion. 

A veteran skipper and G Adventures CEO (Chief Experience Officer), Hajdu’s relationship with the water has evolved from a childhood obligation to a boundless pursuit of independence.

From the rugged beauty of the Cyclades to the quiet patience required to harness nature over diesel, Hajdu doesn't just navigate boats; she bridges the gap between the traveler and the sea, offering her passengers a chance to touch the freedom she first discovered when she finally took the helm of her own life.

G Adventures’ editorial team asked Hajdu to discuss her passion for hosting sailing tours, the importance of ocean conservation, and why, at the end of every voyage, it is the diverse stories of her travellers that keep her coming back to the water.

How did you get into sailing? 

“I started sailing very early on in life, my father had a boat and we sailed all over the world. As a child I hated sailing, it was incredibly restricted. I was windsurfing almost everyday. Jumping, riding the waves was much more up my alley. But then I started sailing my own boat and it was the same as driving for the first time. The freedom was exhilarating. I could go wherever I wanted for free, all I needed was the wind. So I started up my sailing school to help others feel this freedom.”

What led you to become a skipper and CEO with G Adventures?  

“I was working as a sailing instructor for 20 years at my own school. It was fantastic but sailing with people on holiday is quite another experience. It’s fun, every work day is an adventure. I spent many years working for a couple doing private charters but I was a little bored. I had families, honeymooning couples, always people who were units. I was the odd one out. I used to look at how much fun the clients on G Adventures trips were having. I longed to work with them but the conditions were never right. Then I had a medical emergency in the middle of last season so had to leave for two weeks and my previous company – quite unexpectedly – let me go. Vince (Director, Global Sailing at G Adventures), however, came to my rescue. I will forever be grateful to him! And to G Adventures for letting me sail again.”

What is your favourite part about sailing and being out in the ocean waters? 

“I love the freedom, the fact that no two days are the same. I will never stop being amazed and willing to learn. The dolphins, turtles, whales, it's incredible to be so close to them and using the wind instead of diesel teaches me patience. Funnily enough my moods match the wind, I have so much energy from sailing the Cyclades because it’s always windy here.”

Set sail with G Adventures:

• Sailing Croatia - Split to Dubrovnik

• Sailing Sri Lanka - South Coast

• Sailing the Canary Islands

• Sailing Greece - Santorini to Mykonos

• Sailing Greece - Mykonos to Athens

To you, what’s the importance of caring for our oceans and participating in marine conservation? 

“I see it every day. The winds have changed, the fish have died and it makes me so unhappy to see this decline. How often I see plastic in the sea is increasing. I would love to have the means to clean up the seas where I sail. There are so many fishing nets and rubbish discarded in the sea. I snorkel everyday and whenever I can I bring it back onboard to take to a rubbish disposal at the next port.”

What is the most rewarding part about being a skipper and CEO with G Adventures?

“Seeing the clients happy, showing them all my secret spots and telling them stories about the Cyclades. I love to give them an experience that they can take back to their every day. Showing them the culture and introducing them to my friends on the islands. I love the clients of G Adventures the most! They are all so diverse and have their own stories to tell and I love to get to know about each of them.”

Read more stories like this:

• Sailing the Adriatic: 3 of the most incredible Croatian islands to discover

• Coastal bliss, sailing and glamour: 11 places to visit on the Amalfi Coast

• Sailing Greece: the ultimate island hopping experience